File for storing periodical magazines



Sept. 12, 1967 E. B. NELSON 3,341,271

FILE FOR STORING PERIODICAL MAGAZINES Filed Sept. 16, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1/ I II I/I'l I/I FLEET-E] INVENTOR. EDWAP/J l5 lVf-LS'OA/ aw w United States Patent Ofiice 3,341,271 Patented Sept. 12, 1967 3,341,271 FILE FOR STORING PERIODICAL MAGAZINES Edward B. Nelson, P.0. Box 487, Chandler, Okla. 74834 Filed Sept. 16, 1965, Ser. No. 487,772 2 Claims. (Cl. 312-290) This invention relates to a file for storing a plurality of periodicals or magazines in a readily accessible manner. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to a compact, compartmented storage file for retaining in a protected, neat status, a plurality of periodicals or magazines in a position so that the titles of the periodicals can be easily perceived, and so that they can be easily retrieved from the file.

Many popular magazines and technical journals are of such lasting interest to readers that many issues of such periodicals are retained for extended periods of time-in some instances, for many years. Many of these journals or periodicals are of a size such that the accumulation of the issues over long periods of time presents a problem of storage, and retention during storage in good condition. Frequently, such periodicals are merely stacked in bundles in basements or other inaccessible locations, with no care attached to the order or sequence of stacking the periodicals. Consequently, it is very difiicult to obtain a particular issue of the periodical at a time when it is desired to refer to a specific article appearing therein.

The present invention provides a compact periodical storage file which is neat and attractive in appearance, and which can be used to store a plurality (preferably twelve) of issues of a journal or periodical so that the periodical will be readily accessible to a reader, and will be retained in the proper chronological order or sequence of the publication of issues. Broadly described, the storage file of the invention takes the form of a multicompartmented container which comprises a back wall of a height which is slightly greater than the length of the periodicals to be stored in the file, a bottom wall slightly wider than the width of the periodicals and secured perpendicularly to the lower edge of the back wall, a front wall which is substantially shorter than the back wall, a pair of end walls which are generally trapezoidallyshaped and are secured to the back, bottom and front walls at each end of the container, and a plurality of partitions which are complementary in shape to the end walls and are positioned between the end walls and extend from the back wall to the front wall of the file.

In a preferred embodiment of the file, the file also includes a movable cover having a top wall, a front wall, and a pair of end walls dimensioned to mate with the front wall and end walls of the main or base portion of the file to form a right parallelepiped. The movable cover of the file includes hinge lugs secured to, or formed integrally with, the top wall and engaging slots formed in the back wall of the base or main portion of the file so as to form a hinge structure permitting the cover to be pivoted upwardly to expose the periodicals stored in the file. A preferred embodiment of the invention also includes a digest or index pocket of generally rectangular cross sectional configuration secured to the back wall of the file and adapted to receive a general index or digest which is published from time to time by many periodicals, and which explains or refers to various articles appearing in a number of issues of the periodical which have appeared prior to the publication of the index.

From the foregoing description of the invention, it will have become apparent that it is a major object of the present invention to provide an improved magazine or periodical storage file which can be used to retain in a protected, yet accessible manner, a considerable number of issues of a periodical.

Another object of the invention is to provide a compact lightweight periodical storage file which is attractive i1 its appearance, and can be economically constructed s( as to be available to the average periodical subscriber 5 Another object of the invention is to provide a periodi cal storage file which can be located with the periodical: contained therein in a regular bookshelf so as to presen' a neat appearance compatible with the presence of othel books in the bookshelf.

In addition to these objects, additional objects ant advantages will become apparent as the following de tailed description of the invention is read in conjunctior with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a pre ferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the periodical file of the invention as it appears when the movable cover is in closed position.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the periodical file illustrated in FIGURE 1, but showing the file as it ap pears when the movable cover is raised.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 32 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4 of FIGURE 1.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and particu larly, to FIGURE 1, the periodical file of the inventior includes a base portion designated generally by reference character 10 and a hinged movable cover designatec generally by reference character 12. The base portion 11 includes a rectangular back wall 14, a rectangular bot tom wall 16 extending perpendicular to the back wall, 2 rectangular front wall 18 extending perpendicular to the bottom Wall and parallel to the back wall, and a pair 01 end walls 20. The end walls 20 may be said to be generally trapezoidal in shape, and are provided with a diagonal edge 22. The end walls 20 also are preferably characterized in having an upper edge 24 which extends in 2 horizontal plane (parallel to the bottom wall 16) locatec' just below the upper edge 26 of the back wall 14. A from edge 28 of each of the end walls extends vertically downwardly and commences at a point which is preferably just above the upper edge 30 of the front wall 18 of the base portion 10.

Positioned between the end walls 20 and extending parallel thereto are a plurality of partition or divider panels 32. The divider panels are each complementary in configuration to the end walls 20 and thus are generally trapezoidally shaped and have a diagonal edge 34, ar upper edge 36 and a front edge 38 which are oriented with respect to the back wall 14, bottom wall 16 and front wall 18 in the same manner as the corresponding edges oi the end walls 20. The thickness of the partition or divide] panels 32 is preferably about one-half that of the end walls 20, back wall 14, bottom wall 16 and front wall 18 The divider panels 32 are equally spaced from eacl other and from the end walls 26, and preferably are elever in number so as to provide spaces to accommodate 2 total of twelve issues of a periodical representing one complete year of publication. It will be noted in referring to the drawings that the end walls 20 and divider panel: 32 are cut away along the diagonal edges thereof sc that, when generally rectangularly shaped periodicals ar placed within the several compartments or chamber: formed by the divider panels 3-2, a substantial portion 0: each cover of the periodical, as well as the binding, car be viewed. This permits a reader to perceive the title 0-: issue date of the periodical.

The diagonal cut of end walls 20 and divider panel: 32 also has the important function of permitting the periodicals, bound with paper or a lightweight material as they usually are, to easily be inserted in the storage file. Thus, the back or bound edges can be inserted into the compartment first and the periodical then pivoted up- Wardly so that the back or bound edge faces outwardly.

A periodical stored in the file can be easily removed therefrom by merely grasping the upper corner of the periodical adjacent the binding with the fingers and pivot ing the periodical backwardly about the front wall 18. The periodical file is of a size that it can be conveniently stored on bookshelves, end tables, and in any location presents an attractive appearance, while making readily accessible a plurality of issues of a periodical which can be stored in the sequence of publication date so as to make the location of a particular article appearing in a certain issue easily accomplished.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is desirable to provide the protective, movable cover which can be pivoted about hinges to form a complete enclosure for the periodicals, thus protecting them from dust, moisture and other deleterious influences. The movable cover 12 depicted in the drawings accomplishes these functions. The movable cover 12 includes a front wall 42, a top wall 44 and a pair of end walls 46. The front and top walls 42 and 44, respectively, are generally rectangular in configuration, and are joined to each other at a right angle and also extend perpendicular to the end walls 46. The end walls 46 are each generally triangular in configuration, but more specifically, are formed with an edge which mates wit-h the edge of the respective end wall of the base portion 10. Thus, the lower edge 48 of the end walls 46 of the cover 12 are coextensive with, and cut at an angle to abut evenly against, the upper edges 22 of the end walls 20 of the base portion 10. The forward wall 42 includes a lip portion 50 at the lower edge thereof which extends a short distance along the forward edges of the end walls 2Q and divider panels 32 of the base portion 10 so as to bring the lower edge 52 of the front wall 42 of the cover into mating contact with the upper edge 30 of the front wall 1 8 of the base portion.

Secured to the rear edge 60 of the top wall 44 of the cover 12 and extending rearwardly therefrom are a pair of arcuate hinge lugs 62. The hinge lugs 62 can be formed integrally with the cover 12 or may be secured thereto by any suitable means. Preferably, the hinge lugs 62 are slightly more than semicircular, or, stated differently, include an arc of slightly more than 180. The hinge lugs 62 extend through slots 64 formed adjacent the upper edge 26 of the back wall .14 of the base portion 10 and are hooked around the upper edge of the back wall so as to form a hinge connection. Preferably, the upper edge portion of the back wall 14 which is engaged by the hinge lug 62 is rounded so as to permit the movable cover 12 to be pivoted easily about this engaged portion of the back wall.

It should be noted at this point that the periodical file of the invention is preferably constructed of a light, mechanically strong synthetic resin or plastic material, such as polyethylene, and that the base portion 10 and movable cover 12 are each preferably molded as integral pieces which are then connected together by snapping the hinge lugs '62 through the slot 64 formed adjacent the upper edge 26 of the back wall 14. It is further preferred that the movable cover 12 be made of a transparent material which will permit the periodicals stored in the file to be viewed therethrough when the cover is closed.

Once the cover has been snapped into position to engage the hinge lugs 62 with the upper portion of the back wall 14, the cover can then be pivoted from the closed position illustrated in FIGURE 1 to the open position illustrated in FIGURE 2. This permits the periodicals stored in the file to be easily removed therefrom when desired and yet affords a dust-excluding enclosure for the periodicals which permits them to be kept in good condition over extended periods of storage.

As a final element of the invention which is included in a preferred embodiment thereof, a digest or index pocket designated generally by reference character 66 is molded on, or suitably secured to, the back wall 14 of the base portion 10. The digest pocket 66 includes a vertically extending back wall 68 of generally rectangular configuration, a pair of end walls 70 which extend between the back wall 14- of the base portion .10 and the back wall 68 of the pocket 66, and a bottom wall 72. The pocket 66 is open at its top to permit an index or digest volume to be easily slipped into the pocket, and retained there for reference when needed. As is well understood by readers of periodicals, many periodicals from time to time publish an index or digest volume which undertakes to set forth in either chronological or other sequence, the titles, subject and/or authors of all articles which have appeared in the periodicals during a given number of preceding issues. Frequently, this digest or index is published annually or semi-annually and will cover the issues of the periodical published during a preceding period elapsing since publication of the last index. It can thus be seen that the present invention provides a complete compact storage unit for filing or storing twelve issues of the periodical along with the annual digest or index for the periodical.

From the foregoing description of the invention, it will be perceived that the invention provides a lightweight, economically constructed, aesthetically pleasing storage file for magazines or periodicals which can be used to keep these publications in a neat, orderly fashion over extended periods of time. The file can be used to maintain the periodicals in a good condition, free of dust, and protected from rain or excessive moisture, while permitting the publications to be easily accessible at any time they are needed.

Although certain specific embodiments of the invention have been hereinbefore described as examples of the manner in which the invention may be practiced, it is to be understood that the invention can take other forms than those depicited in the drawings, and can be altered structurally in several respects without departure from the basic principles upon which the invention is based, and which are hereinbefore set forth. Insofar as such modifications and innovations do not entail a departure from such basic principles, such changes are con sidered to be circumscribed by the spirit and scope of the invention except as the invention is necessarily limited by the appended claims or reasonable equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A periodical storage file comprising:

an integrally formed, synthetic resin base portion, said base portion including;

a generally rectangular, vertically extending back wall;

a generally rectangular, vertically extending front wall spaced from, and extending parallel to, said back wall, said front wall being of substantially lesser height than said back wall;

a generally rectangular bottom wall extending perpendicular to said front and back walls and being substantially coextensive in length therewith;

a pair of spaced, parallel, generally trapezoidally shaped end walls extending perpendicular to said front, back and bottom walls, said end walls each having a diagonal edge, a top edge and a front edge, said top edge extending in a horizontal plane slightly below the top edge of said back wall, and said front edge extending vertically and being slightly longer than the height of said vertically extending front wall;

a plurality of spaced, parallel, divider panels disposed between, and spaced from, said end walls and extending parallel thereto, said divider panels each being substantially identical in shape to said end walls, and secured and extending perpendicularly to, said front, back and bottom Walls, said divider panels each having a thickness which is about one-half that of said end walls, front wall, back wall and bottom wall; and

a movable cover constituting an integral unitary structure of a molded, transparent synthetic resin, said cover being pivotally connected to said base portion and including:

a rectangular top wall having a pair of hinge lugs ex tending from one edge thereof and engaging said back wall, the top wall of said cover being of substantially the same size as the bottom wall of said base portion;

rectangular front wall extending perpendicularly to said top wall and having a total area together with said first mentioned front wall substantially equal to the back wall of said base portion; and

pair of spaced, parallel, generally triangular end walls secured perpendicularly to the top wall of said cover and each having an edge of coextensive length with the diagonal edge of said trapezoidally shaped end walls, said cover being configured to mate, when closed, with said base portion to form a right parallelepiped.

. A periodical storage file comprising:

base formed of an integral unitary structure of molded synthetic resin and including:

a generally rectangular, vertically extending back wall;

a generally rectangular, vertically extending front wall spaced from and extending parallel to said back wall, said front wall being of substantially lesser height than said back wall;

a generally rectangular bottom wall extending perpendicular to said front and back walls and being substantially coextensive in length therewith;

a pair of spaced, parallel, generally trapezoid-ally shaped end walls extending perpendicular to said front, back and bottom walls, said end walls each having a diagonal edge, a top edge and a front edge, said top edge extending in a horizontal plane slightly below the top edge of said back wall, and said front edge extending vertically and 'being slightly longer than the height of said vertically extending front wall; and a plurality of spaced, parallel divider panels positioned in said integral unitary base and disposed between, and spaced from, said end walls and extending parallel thereto, said divider panels each being substantially identical in shape to said end walls, and extending perpendicularly to, said front, back and bottom walls, said divider panels each having a thickness which is about one-half that of said end walls, front wall, back wall and bottom wall; and a movable, integrally molded, unitary cover pivotally connected to said base portion and including:

a rectangular top wall having a pair of hinge lugs extending from one edge thereof and engaging said back wall, the top wall of said cover being of substantially the same size as the bottom wall of said base portion;

a rectangular front wall extending perpendicularly to said top wall and having a total are together With first mentioned front wall substantially equal to the back wall of said base portion; and

a pair of spaced, parallel, generally triangular end walls secured perpendicularly to the top wall of said cover and each having an edge of coextensive length with the diagonal edge of said trapezoidally shaped end walls, said cover being configured to mate, when closed, with said base portion to form a right parallelepiped.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 887,631 5/1908 Hawthorne 3l2l0 2,145,143 1/1939 Trecartin 2l7--57 2,607,649 8/1952 Johnson 312-20 2,732,581 1/1956 Heck 22031 2,868,606 1/1959 Stierna 312-10 X 2,960,137 11/1960 Lipsitz 52 X CHANCELLOR E. HARRIS, Primary Examiner. 

